Shopping

GUM Department Store – elegant turn-of-the century shopping mall, combining elements of Russian medieval ecclesiastical architecture and an elegant steel framework and glass roof, and today filled with elegant boutiques and designer stores aimed at Moscow 's nouveau riches.

Izmailovsky Souvenir Market - just a few minutes walk from the 16th century Imperial Estate where the future Peter the Great spent much of his childhood, the city's largest and most animated souvenir market offers visitors a wide range of Russian handicrafts, Soviet memorabilia, original paintings and delicious local cuisine. The lively and bustling Izmailovsky Souvenir Market is an absolute must-see for all visitors to Moscow . The enormous market is just a few minutes walk from Izmailovsky Park Metro and is surrounded by a mock wooden fortress and charmingly decorated with various statues of figures from Russian folklore and myth. Street performers and sideshows entertain visitors as they browse around the seemingly endless tourist stands. You can expect the usual painted wooden matryoshka dolls, kitschy Cold War chess sets, amber jewelry and Soviet memorabilia, but also some interesting pre-war cameras and binoculars, traditional Russian handicrafts and an impressive selection of original paintings. You will be bowled over by the choice on display and utterly exhausted by the constant hounding from the over-enthusiastic stallholders! Just remember that a bit of haggling is an almost essential part of the Izmailovsky experience!